Monthly Archives: January 2012

In my formative school years, there were always concerns of what toll hefty textbooks and toting them around in backpacks would be. Luckily, The students of the 21st century may not have to share in that burden with Apple's announcement that it would begin offering digital textbooks on their iPad via its iBooks 2 app.

Apple is setting its sights on the textbook industry - Textbooks for iPad, which became available by way of a new textbook category in iBooks 2, which requires iOS 5 and is currently available as an update to the original iBooks app, provide students with a modern, interactive replacement for conventional printed textbooks. They support multi-touch gestures and also feature dictionary look-up integration and annotation. Students can highlight text, take notes and even create virtual note cards to reference later while studying.

The books, which currently focus on high school-level subjects but will later expand to cover the entire K-12 curriculum, can cost up to $14.99, and Apple is working with publishing companies such as Pearson, McGraw Hill, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and DK Publishing to make it happen.

To create interactive textbooks and other digital books for the iPad, Apple has also introduced iBooks Author. The Mac application provides robust tools that let anyone build and publish interactive digital books for Apple’s iBooks store. It has the same look and feel as Apple’s iWork apps, and includes features like gallery support, 3D animation, video and interactive image support and more. Users can even insert custom Javascript or HTML5 code into eBooks using iBooks AuthorPaired with the fact that multiple universities have launched test programs for distributing iPads to students and this looks to be a recipe for success. And, when the iPad3 is released later this year, its predecessor will be that much more affordable and accessible to students.

Now we just have to worry about early-onset carpal tunnel and “texting thumb” syndromes. But even there, with the number of hands free technologies out there, students could easily address those issues as well with the simple purchase of a few key accessories. God bless innovation!

Apple’s bid for the number one PC vendor spot has been in the works since the success of the Apple II back in 1984 and continued success of the MacBook According to Asymco’s Horace Dediu, that was the year the company enjoyed 15.8% market share unfortunately did not launch it into ever-sunny skies until Steve Jobs returned back to the company and brought us the iRevolution. And if Mr. Jobs was present to see this achievement, one would have to assume he would be thrilled.

A recent poll of 42 analysts conducted by Fortune shows that Hewlett-Packard will soon topple from its ranking as the number one PC vendor in the world and be replaced by Apple. Based on the spike in iPad sales in the “holiday quarter” last year where sales jumped up from 11.12 million in Q3 to 14 million in Q4. Tally up the sales from Apple’s other PC product line of Macs (which had over 5 million units sold over the holidays), and the company exceeds 20 million units taken off their hands in the fourth quarter. When calculating market share, the NorCal company trounces HP 17.8% to 13%.

2011 could just not have been HP’s year with some serious changes to their business and product offerings. Losing the prestige of this spot could also have been facing the marketing and development machines of Apple whose growth continues year over year (never fear for those who noted the less impressive results from last month, December reports will crush expectations).

No doubt the Cupertino company will be able to continue its crusade to win over new customers, especially with the aid of its partners and complementary accessories. No more than ever, tablets are a lightweight, flexible choice that also doubles as a media device (and a GPS, browser, stereo and any other number of functions).

Keep posted as these numbers will all be confirmed and then the post-CES month rolls around. We are in for a ride!

Apple marketing is sure to have their paws all over the latest IDG business survey which finds that the iPad is gaining explosive momentum in the business community all over the.

The survey shows that 91% of IT and business professionals use their iPads for work. The kicker is that despite this high percentage of usage, only a quarter of these devices are issued by companies.

A surprising 51% of those surveyed always use the device at work, almost as many who always use it at home (54%).

Perhaps this is because professionals use the sleek tablet for media consumption in typical consumer behavior in addition to using it to increase their productivity on the go. The trends point to very high levels of use while they are on the road (a full 79% of IT professionals surveyed always use their iPad on the road). The smaller size of the device makes it easier to tote around when traveling; the array of accessories accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to makes this device more functionally efficient and performance rich.

So where is the monumental shift of iPads replacing notebooks and desktops at the corporate level? It seems to be a different kind of shift, more of an evolution than a revolution. Most of those IT and business professionals surveyed said that despite their high level of iPad use, they have not abandoned their other desktop or laptop computers. iLuv and some other accessory manufacturers did roll out some great docking stations and workstations that may help increase the adoption rate of iPads for businesses.

Apple itself should look into how to better leverage its products and the accessories to make it a clearer choice for consumers. We have brought Apple’s smartphones, media devices, and now slate computers into our homes and now into our offices. There is an incredible amount of loyalty to the brand, but their messaging has largely been centered on the consumer and its media uses. They have to help bridge those gaps and work on their solution selling where companies or individual professionals can buy a comprehensive solution to fit their changing needs.

Anyone who followed the Consumer Electronics Show knows that Nokia is making some serious moves to win business and mindshare in the United States this year. The company has moved lightning fast since signing agreements with Microsoft last year with Nokia Lumia cell phones winning some great nods of approval.

Based on the announcement that Nokia will be launching its first Window mobile OS smartphone with T-Mobile in the United States, which will allow Nokia to extend market breadth and reach wider consumer base. Noted as an important part of their strategy, the next few months of product releases and announcements are bound to keep the good press rolling.

While it does not have quite the jaw-dropping specs and capabilities as their flagship Lumia 900, which will be launching with AT&T in March… the Nokia 710 smartphone will be available for $50. Walmart will have it available for free with a service contract. This will further expand Nokia’s to capture the consumers that want transition from their current feature phone to a smartphone. With these incredible deals, customers have more funds to accessorize their new handset with accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

But what will customers get with this phone? To start, it is 4G capable with a great scratch-resistant ClearBlack screen that makes for easier outdoor viewing. Browsing is made snappy with a Snapdragon processor and makes uploading photos taken from the 5 megapixel camera a breeze (and Nokia has some impressive camera technology at work). Even gamers will be satisfied with the interactive gaming experience through Xbox Live. Experience the mind blowing clarity of XMI Speakers. Uncompromised sound quality and a revolutionary design accentuating today’s interactive lifestyle. Our earpieces and headsets combine sophisticated style and precision engineering that deliver brilliant sound for your total listening pleasure.

While we can’t write to the accessory options available at Walmart or T-Mobile to accompany this purchase, there are an incredible number of peripheral devices and accessories to peruse online. And if you want a Nokia phone without being tied to a carrier, we will keep you posted on any unlocked options coming down the pipeline!

The furor and fervor of CES is slowly dimming after its close and industry and consumers alike now have a moment to digest all that was seen, shown and announced in Las Vegas last week. With 2011being an incredible year of innovation and development, the question of “how will 2012 compare?” spiked the excitement of this year’s convention. The result? 2012 tech is impressive. Get complete overview of the CES manufacturer brand announcements on the 'All You Need to Know On CES 2012' blog.

From very innovative protective accessories, charging solutions, power solutions, earpieces and headsets for new tablets and unlocked cell phones, and any number of apps were brought around for our perusal in this modern-day bazaar. But which innovations took home the coveted CNET award for 2012? The readers and editors of CNET granted the Research In Motion owned QNX platform for their latest Blackberry smartphones and PlayBook 2.0 as well as for the best best car tech for its QNX CAR 2 application which will has impressive implications. Tying the mobile OS into the car keeps the consumer demand for technological entertainment at their fingertips while incorporating conversational voice recognition.

The concept Porsche Carrera demonstrates how the “one-touch Bluetooth pairing using Near Field Communications (NFC) eliminates the hassle of pairing the driver’s phone to the car. And experience how conversational voice recognition and in-vehicle controls enable drivers to use the car’s infotainment system easily and conveniently.” This could be the breakthrough innovation that breathes life back into RIM and launch a myriad of car tech and mobile accessories.

On the smartphone front, Nokia took home the Best Smartphone award for the latest Nokia cell phone release the Lumia 900 (probably for its great interaction with Microsoft technology and adaptability with other tech accessories). Another pseudo-win for Microsoft is BlueStacks recognition for its technology that gives Windows 8 products the ability to run Android apps.

Android itself was recognized for its role in the impressive quad-core Ice Cream Sandwich ASUS Memo 370T tablet. A great alternative in the tablet market, industry spectators are bound to be anxious to see what additional accessories will be forthcoming to further enhance the capabilities of this technology.

During the Nixon administration the United States did the unthinkable and moved its currency off the gold standard. In the following decades, how we use money has continued to shift and change most notably with technology. The internet has made the world marketplace truly global and has made money again more abstract than tangible with wire transfers, online shopping, and faster payment authorizations with credit and debit cards.

This evolution of money exchange has continued with smartphones and apps. Which brings us to the pertinent launch at CES: moneto, the world’s first multi-platform mobile platform mobile wallet. Brought to us by Device Fidelity and Spring Card Systems, this service will bring NFC capabilities to any Android device such as the Samsung Galaxy S 2, the Motorola Droid RAZR and the Sony Xperia in tandem with microSD card.

The specialized encrypted microSD card has both an NFC radio and antenna that bring MasterCard PayPass technology to the gambit of Android devices out on the market. This means the capability to pay on the go and add funds to prepaid accounts with direct deposit, ACH transfer, or third party money transfer services like Western Union or PayPal.

iPhone customers also have great moneto options available to them. There is a unique iPhone protective case that will bring this same capability to iOS users sans microSD card. It is now available to iPhone 3, 3GS, 4, 4S users and retails for $80. This does include $10 in pre-loaded funds for customers to begin their fast pay adventures.

For Google Android users, the microSD card will be available in two or three weeks and be a bit easier on the wallet at $30. To take advantage of this technology, pop in the encrypted card, slap on a small NFC sticker to the inside of your battery case (this boosts the NFC signal) and transfer funds to free yourself from credit cards and make mobile payments. For Android users this also means freedom to enhance mobility and turn their device into a power tool! Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to make devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

Is 2012 the year of Research In Motion? Last year was rough for the once mighty smartphone and tablet OS company, but with its recent CES recognition for the impressive QNX car technology and now the PlayBook 2.0 something tangible to review, RIM may have some more blue skies in its futures. View this interesting video for more insight on Blackberry's PlayBook 2.0

According to recent reports, the PlayBook 2.0 will be available in February and will make the tablet actually functional again. How? Top of the list is that native email and calendar are now included and the company has caught up with the times and integrated social media networking (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc) and all of your friends posts and activities can be viewed in the Contacts Hub.

Next, the keyboard has been drastically revamped to incorporate autocorrect and algorithmic predictive typing. That will adapt to your typing style and suggests its guess of your next typed word. Surprisingly, this tablet does feature Android apps in its App World and reviews indicate that they run as smoothly as native code.

In fact, Alec Saunders, the VP of Developer Relations, has hinted at RIM learning its mistakes from its initial PlayBook launch and are humbly making changes to bring a competitive product to market that will allow for innovation with developers, tech accessories, and other peripheral technology. This attitude change has brought valuable partnerships with EA Games and Rovio and will create a compelling story for customers.

Added incentive for investing in RIM and the PlayBook upon its release in 2012 is its competitive pricing. At $299 it may very well be the contender it was created to be in a market dominated by Apple and to a lesser degree Android. As more news is released on the upcoming launch, we will keep you posted on whether the body has changed drastically enough to require new protective cases purchases and how current PlayBook customers will be able to recycle their other existing accessories.

No doubt, Nokia cell phone Lumia 900 made quite an impression at CES, but another (non-Samsung and non-Apple) smartphone contender made waves as well. That is Sony Ericsson’s Xperia S. Taking the approach of tailoring and optimizing software to the hardware, Sony has taken the familiar and effective Gingerbread OS and made a device that runs incredibly smoothly and also has the look and feel of a great smartphone.

Like the Nokia Lumia handsets, the Sony Xperia S smartphone is made of a single piece of high density polycarbonate which feels substantial and appears chic and modern. It also serves as a great frame to the 720p screen that uses the Sony Bravia Engine and fuses the LCD glass to bring down reflections. Let the latest in trend setting fashionable accessories express your unique style! Discover an extensive array of award-wining design protective cases and skins deliver modern style, stunning design and smart protection. Make your mobile devices stand out. Customize your look - how cool can you be?

Another impressive feature is this handset’s camera. For what it lacks in flashy new Android OS updates, a 12 megapixel rear facing camera that can be used with just the press of a side button – even when the phone is turned off! Incredibly zippy, this camera goes from zero-to-shutter in less time than the Galaxy Nexus. And, the photo quality far surpasses the competition as well.

Unfortunately, Sony Ericsson opted to use the Snapdragon S3 chip instead of the S4. Also disappointing is the lack of LTE on this device (which the manufacturer doled out to its AT&T exclusive Xperia Ion in the US). There are rumors that an LTE Sony phone will come Canada’s way in Q3, but in tech terms that is quite a ways out.

Some silver lining to the LTE regret is Sony will be bundling Video Unlimited support and the Xperia S is Playstation Certified which is great news for gamers who will have access to an ever growing number of PSOne games. This makes a case for purchasing better earpieces and headphones, speakers and additional MicroSD Memory cards to get the most of the device investment.

Canada should see this smartphone hit the market in March or so, but actual release dates and carrier availability are bound to follow, so keep tuned!

With buzz words like “CES,” “Android 4.0,” “tablet,” and “$170,” ViewSonic has our attention! The 7-inch device is to be released later in Q1 and will undoubtedly be a great choice for frugal consumers who enjoy the latest technology. The company’s vice-president of development, Michael Holstein, says this about their upcoming tablet “ViewSonic is committed to delivering advanced technology designed with the consumer in mind […]“Featuring the latest Android operating system, along with leading apps and services for entertainment content, the ViewPad E70 continues the ViewSonic tradition of bringing feature-rich products to new markets.”

The news that this tablet will be rocking the Ice Cream Sandwich version of the Android OS is definitely a highlight in comparison to its other specs. It will have a 1GHz single-core processor, 4GB of storage, an HDMI-out, and a front facing camera. With these less than stellar specs, customers considering this option should invest in some performance enhancing accessories like stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables, earpieces and headphones, speakers and additional MicroSD Memory cards cards. A separate device like a media player or more amped-up smartphone for music and pictures may also be considerations when looking to purchase this tablet.

But, as the ViewPad E70 does have the latest Android OS, it is being touted as device particularly suited for web surfing, e-reading, and gaming. This also brings customers the premium apps and services in a very light and compact tablet. The 1080p HDMI output does help compensate for the low 4GB by giving users the option of streaming multimedia. The low cost of the ViewPad E70 means that customers can invest in great accessories to take advantage of the best features of this device.

There will likely be those potential users who will be concerned with the limited 4GB (and let’s be honest, compared to other smartphones and tablets on the market, this is quite low), Luckily, there are removable storage and memory options out there to keep the tablet running as fast and light as intended.

Today's lifestyle is becoming increasingly more connected and 'on the go'... from the stay-at-home mom, to the student to the business executive. More and more consumers are exploiting mobile devices and in particular smartphones as pocket PC's and quickly exhausting power supplies. Currently the only true mobile charging solution are car chargers; which severely limits the global market from becoming 'versatile and unrestrictedly mobile'. These power user are clamoring for dual purpose protective carrying bags/charging solutions. It is no wonder that this year’s Customer Electronics Show saw a huge amount of interest in the “Powerbag"... which offers this built-in versatility and convenience.

This technological line of bags combines form and function with iPhone, microUSB, and regular USB ports to help us ensure our various smarthpones, tablets, and media players don’t go without a charge and you don’t go without a tech appendage. And for anyone who has been in a situation where a dying smartphone can lead to a missed conference call, unsent email, or any number of other mishaps, these bags can be a lifesaver. These unknowns make a great case for being prepared whether it is having additional memory cards on hand or investing in a bag that will keep you up and running.

Depending on the size of the bag, the interchangeable batteries are available in 3000, 6000, or 9000mAh cells. These battery cells can also be purchased separately for backup power and added hours of charge which is great for some of the larger bags that allow for as many as four devices to charge at once. To take advantage of power sources when available, the bag itself is rechargeable by plugging it into a wall outlet.

In addition to juicing up our mobile devices away from home, this power system is smart and will provide the correct voltage according to the device plugged in. Not only is this a great safety feature, this ensures fast, optimal charging speeds and has us geeked to see the product in person to play and see what other selling points we will find.

Discover the latest innovative protection solutions... stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

At the moment, the retail cost for the bag (not including spare battery cells) will be generally in the range of $140 and$200 USD. While not yet on the market, the prototypes are going to be made available to review in a few weeks.